VR6 GTI Gear Box Done At 61,000

So here’s my story. 2 1/2 years ago I bought a new 2002 VW GTI VR6 from Metro VW in Irving Texas. Had the issue with the window regulator and had it fixed under warranty. All in all was very happy with it. However, on Tuesday, I was driving to work. As I pulled away from a stop sign, I heard a loud grating noise and the steering wheel pulled to the side. I pulled up to my parking space at work and whammo, it happened again. I had the car towed to VW in Lewisville. Wednesday morning I got a call from them. The Differential Locking Pin had come out and the gear box was cooked. The estimate was $3700 plus tax. He also suggested changing the clutch for a further $420. Wow. The trade in value is probably $10K and they want $4200 to get it working.
I called the VW America Customer Care line. I explained the situation. I was looking for them to pick up the cost of the Gear Box as the Dealership is telling me that the labor is just $650. I spoke to 2 people there. They refused to doing any thing. I sent them an email and this morning, I had a call from them. The guy explained that $4,200 sounded a little high and that the labor elelment must of been high. What a prick. I told them that if they were not able to do anything that I would spend the rest of my life in a relentless quest to tell people about my experience and to discourage as many people as possible from buying a VW. So here I am. This is the first day of a long journey but thaks for creating a site that allows us to get it off our chest and inform people about our experience.
Sure, we all sound a little bitter but guess what, I am bitter. I was as vocal a supporter as any car copmpany would want. I wouldn’t let anyone buy a car without throwing them my keys and telling them how great VW’s are. They suck. 61000 miles and $4200 bill. It’s unbelieveable. Any way there it is. I’m not showing my e-mail address as it’s a work’s address but if any one has any questions, please post and I’ll send it to you.